“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7 (NIV)

When I was 5 years old, a tornado ripped through the mobile home that my family and I called our home. There were no warnings, no way to be prepared. I remember it very well even though I was so young because my mom, my 11 month old brother and I were all inside.

My dad’s boat was thrown up in a tree; my mom saw the metal from the home’s frame twist in the air, and the floor to the trailer was never even found. Now, the question that might be going through your head right now is, “How could she possibly even be here today to tell me this story?”

The only answer that I can give to that question is God had his hand of protection on us that day. He sheltered us in the mist of that horrible storm. We didn’t even have any broken bones. Although, it was a horrible experience, God delivered us safely through it.

This same God delivers people every day from storms they face in everyday life. I’m not just talking about physical storms of nature. I’m talking about physical, spiritual and emotional issues and struggles. He loves us and wants to be our protector and deliverer in the midst of whatever storm that’s brewing in our lives.

“A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” Psalm 34:19 (NIV)

Sometimes, we have to go through things we don’t understand and can’t see an end in sight, but the Lord knows exactly where you are and what you’re going through. Even though we don’t know the reason sometimes for the trials and tribulations we face, our job is to trust God and lean on Him because He will never fail us or leave us alone.

Prayer Time: Ask God to help you lean on Him when you’re faced with struggles and problems. Ask Him to give you peace in knowing that He is in control and He will deliver you out of all your trials and tribulations.

Amanda, It is true there is a purpose for everything that happens in life. But, during these times I like to remember my favorite bible verse. Zephaniah 3:17: The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

I know that no matter what trials and tribulations; what joy and laughter; what sorrow and strain; no matter what He is there with me. He will save me. He will rejoice over me and all the while just like a daddy holding his baby girl He will sing over me a love-aby not a lullaby.

In this I draw my strength. Thank you for your wonderful insights!! Keep up the GREAT job you are doing! Know that through you God is spreading His love and joy! Thanks, Jen